Director: Pierre Creton
Cast: Antoine Pirotte, Pierre Creton, Vincent Barre, Manon Schaap, Pierre Baray, Chiman Dangi, Evelyne Didi, Mark Brown
“A Prince’s” is a potent mix of sexuality, mortality, and power dynamics. It explores the world of a young apprentice gardener, where his blossoming passion for the art of cultivation intertwines with a forbidden desire – a secret that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic pastoral world.
Pierre-Joseph embarks on his journey at an apprenticeship college, aiming to hone his skills as a gardener. Along the way, he encounters a colorful array of characters, including Françoise Brown, the school’s principal; Alberto, his botany mentor; and Adrien, his employer. These individuals play pivotal roles in both his professional development and his exploration of his own sexuality.
Fast forward forty years, Kutta, Françoise Brown’s adopted child, emerges on the scene. Pierre-Joseph has heard a lot about Kutta, they have never actually met in person.. However, Kutta, now the enigmatic owner of an unusual chateau, seems to be searching for something beyond just a gardener.
In Pierre Creton’s enchanting French countryside tale “A Prince,” the intrigue of courtly life isn’t immediately obvious. Yet, amidst Normandy’s crisp air, themes of sex, death, and power linger. The narrative follows Pierre-Joseph, a young gardener’s apprentice, as he explores his gay identity.
Antoine Pirotte predominantly plays Pierre-Joseph the most part, while Creton himself portrays the older iteration. This dual portrayal infuses the film with a sense of autobiographical authenticity.
Pierre-Joseph finds solace in the company of older men, drawn to their warmth and wisdom. As he grows closer to two of them, they bond over their shared passion for botany and collaborate on a film. Their moments of intimacy intertwine seamlessly with their diligent work in the fields and on their project.
However, the narrative takes a surprising turn when Pierre-Joseph encounters Kutta, an older man with an enigmatic past. What begins as a simple meeting for a gardening job soon reveals layers of complexity, challenging both Pierre-Joseph and the audience’s perceptions.
Creton’s usually grounded drama takes on an unexpected, dreamlike quality as the story unfolds.
Starting the story with Kutta as a central character and then shifting the focus to Pierre-Joseph creates an interesting narrative structure. It builds anticipation around Kutta’s character while allowing viewers to explore the world of the gardening school through Pierre-Joseph’s perspective. This approach could offer insights into themes like identity, belonging, and the passage of time.
It also opens up opportunities to delve into the relationships between characters and the dynamics within the community of Yvetot. Overall, it sounds like a compelling storytelling strategy that can keep viewers engaged and intrigued until the end.
The film explores hidden truths and self-narratives, offering a nuanced take on desire in rural France.
While its intellectual tone may not stir strong emotions, “A Prince” urges viewers to engage with its unique narrative and thought-provoking themes. Despite occasional disconnects, these seem intentional, encouraging audiences to embrace the film’s challenges and dive into a different cinematic experience.